Uber launches Yangon trial this week

Photo: Screengrab from Uber Myanmar promo video
Photo: Screengrab from Uber Myanmar promo video

Uber is officially launching a trial period starting this week, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Coconuts Yangon.

The rep told Coconuts: “Uber is carrying out technical testing in Yangon to help ensure a smooth launch in the future.” The trial will last 10 days, from April 26 to May 5. Uber was unable to provide any further comment, including whether or not the trial will be limited to a specific geographical area.

Despite the brand’s international popularity, it’ll be interesting to see how many local citizens will use, or have even heard of, Uber. Their Singapore-based rival Grab launched their own trial earlier this month to generally positive customer reports. However, the main complaint for Grab seems to be lack of drivers, especially when compared to local ridesharing app Oway Ride.

In January, Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein said: “We have met with the Southeast Asian [section of] Uber [Technologies Inc.] and learned that since we do not have a systematic taxi association, unlike other countries whose taxi associations protested against [the introduction of Uber], we have a chance to introduce Uber into Myanmar.” So although Grab got the headstart in terms of running a trial in Yangon, we’ll soon see if Uber’s partnership with the Yangon government will ultimately prove to be the key to success.

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